This is NOT about the CT Senate race. It is fair to note Iraq is for many Democrats an issue that matters, but not one that is non-negotiable for all voters, although for some it may be the only issue on which they focus. Let's start with that idea.
Some of us have issues that are non-negotiable, things for which we stand on principle. For most of us on most issues, there will be many that matter greatly, but we are willing to to cut a candidate or office-holder some slack - we do not need agreement on everything, we are likely to look at the totality of positions on these issues.
I'd like to use my diary today to explore this difference in how we categorize issues. The poll will list a number of issues that might be "line-in-the-sand" issues, for which we will stand on principle. We can use the comments to explain why such an issue is non-negotiable. We can also use them to list issues that matter, about which we care, but on which we can be somewhat flexible. I will offer my thoughts below the fold.
There is one issue that is not negotiable with me, and that is the Constitution. I cannot support anyone who advocates restricting our liberty by amending the Constitution. I expect people to be willing to publicly stand up for our rights. Thus those who refused to oppose even if they did not endorse the recent proposed flag desecration amendment are people who I cannot support in this cycle - that issue is non-negotiable for me. It is my only absolute.
I care deeply about education. And I would be hard-pressed to support someone who was not an advocate of public education. But so long as that person believes that we have a responsibility to offer a free, quality public education I am prepared to discuss how we get there.
Other issues on which I care greatly are
- protection of the environment
- economic justice (including a graduated tax approach)
- fiscal responsibility on the part of the government
- using military force as a last and not a first resort
- transparency of government (minimize the amount of secrecy)
- full rights for all people regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender or sexual preference
- restoring full civil rights for those who have completed criminal sentences
- improving the quality of our civic discourse and changing the nature of our campaigns
- reinterpreting 14th Amendment so corporations don't have more rights than people
- humane treatment of animals in all circumstances, including medical research and food production
- corporations paying taxes and being responsible for their actions
- maximizing the separation of church and state
The foregoing list is not intended to be exhaustive. It contains those items I can think of now. I am sure when I read the offerings of others I will smack my head and say "of course, you dummy!"
It is now your turn. Take the poll, leave a comment or two of explanation. I apologize I could not offer more choices in the polls, but I did give you a choice of "other - please explain." I look forward to reading your responses.